A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine investigated how women perceive penile appearances, particularly in cases where Hypospadias, a congenital condition, has been surgically corrected. Hypospadias is characterized by the urethral opening being located on the underside of the penis, rather than at the tip.
Researchers asked participants to rate the importance of eight penile aspects and assess the normality of penile appearance through standardized photographs. The results indicated that women considered the position and shape of the meatus (the urethral opening) to be the least important aspect. Those with a more positive perception tended to prioritize the overall cosmetic appearance of the penis over its length or position.
Key Findings ¶
The study examined the following penile aspects, selected based on the Penile Perception Score:
- length
- girth
- position and shape of meatus
- shape of glans
- appearance of scrotum
- shape of penile skin
- appearance of pubic hair
- general cosmetic appearance
The findings showed that, out of these eight aspects, the length of the penis was ranked sixth in importance. The general cosmetic appearance was rated as most important, followed by the appearance of pubic hair, then girth and the appearance of the skin, which tied for third. The shape of the glans was ranked fifth, the appearance of the scrotum seventh, and the position and shape of the meatus last.
The research highlights a significant disparity between men's perceptions of their penis and what women actually consider important.
The study, titled What is a Good Looking Penis? How Women Rate the Penile Appearance of Men with Surgically Corrected Hypospadias, was published online in the Journal of Sexual Medicine on July 20, 2015.
